With two first-round picks signed before the calendar even says “June,” the agent for another pick has gotten an early start on working out a contract.  Whether a deal gets done well before the opening of training camp, however, remains to be seen.

Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times followed up with Joe Linta, who represents Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.  Linta told Wilson that the process is “moving forward.”

“Long way to go,” Linta wrote, “but making progress.”

Flacco missed recent offseason workouts due to the outdated rule preventing rookies from participating in more than one three-day minicamp until final exams conclude at their respective schools.  He’ll be able to join the team this week.

Rookies typically participate in offseason workouts after signing an injury protection letter, which guarantees that they’ll get roughly the same deal they would have received if for some reason they blow out a body part that ends their rookie seasons, or that ends their careers.  One of the notable exceptions in this regard has been Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who refused to sign the injury protection letter in 2005.